Cheap Battery

[RobinHou]

Any reason that this cheap battery should not be used in a RV?
http://www.batterysharks.com/Toyo-Ba...8_ups12-18.htm

The specs look fairly similar to PC680:
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680.htm

Robin

[LifeofReiley]

I have a PC680 that is 7 years old... ask them if their battery will perform as well?

[Jaypratt]

The PC 680 in my EXP Super Cub has been in it since before the first flight April 2004. It still is good even on a cold day.
The PC680 in My RV8 is still going strong since mid 2007.
I have another one in the shop that still is good that was removed form a crashed airplane, it is dated 2002

The joy of a cheap price is long forgotten if the product is inferior, and has to be replaced.

[rv7charlie]

There are alternatives to the PC6xx's that are *much* cheaper & will work just fine.

I couldn't find a datasheet for that particular battery, but I've used similar models, with the relatively thin terminals, in RV-4's. Most that I've seen with those thin terminals are somewhat limited in their 'cold cranking amps'. They are typically designed for slower discharge rates, as might be seen in an uninterrupt-able power supply. They will start an O-320, but with performance about equal to an old flooded cell a/c battery, & my experience is somewhat limited lifespan of maybe 2 years. If you choose this quality battery, I'd suggest picking one that's rated at 20 AH instead of 18. They typically fit the same mount dimensions, and can usually come closer to PC6xx performance at the really low price you're looking for.

Since the Odyssey is the 'gold standard', I'd suggest looking at the specs; you can go to
http://www.odysseybattery.com/literature.html
& click on 'Odessey Owners Manual' to see the specs. look for minimum 220 Cold Cranking Amps (higher is better), and around 7-8 milli-ohms internal resistance (lower is better).

There are other clones of the PC680 & PC625 that have been selling recently for $60-$80 shipped that are designed as direct replacements, capable of very high short term current dumps for starting.

Here are a couple from a company I recently used via Amazon;
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...n=&s=&v=glance

and
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...n=&s=&v=glance

If you use the big G & enter 'PC680' or 'PC625', you'll find dozens of good sources.

Hope that helps...

Charlie

[RobinHou]

Thanks, Charlie; that is some great information. The CSOB of me just cannot spend double or treble the money when the cheap one looks just as good on paper. I understand it may not last as long, but I will give the cheap one a try and report back my experience; in a few years, I hope ;-)
Robin

[LifeofReiley]

Make sure and always read the fine print, some of the batteries noted as direct replacement are actually lead acid batteries and not glass mat.

[rv7charlie]

A reasonable caution, but be sure that it's understood that the 'glass mat' batteries are, indeed, lead-acid batteries. Just distinguish between the new tech & old flooded cell designs.

It's fairly safe to say that if it will fit where a PC6xx fits, & crank a 360 cu in Lyc, it's probably *not* a flooded cell battery.

Charlie

[N941WR]

I looked at a PC680 look-a-like when I replaced my battery. Then I kept remembering stories of laptop computers and cell phones with cheap Chinese made batteries catching fire, unexpectedly. Just the thought of that thing catching fire was enough to make me want only the Odyssey.

[Neal@F14]

I've got a buddy with a PC680 in his RV-4 that's been in service for almost 7 years, and it's finally this winter not holding a charge very well and due for replacement.

Think he got his money's worth?

[LifeofReiley]

Just found a New PC 680 for $99.73 online... Smoking Hot Deal!